8-5 Dow Finsterwald Day marker at the Athens Country Club

Side A: Dow Finsterwald Day, September 25, 1958. Golfing greats Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus first met on the golf course at the Athens Country Club in Athens, Ohio. The event was a celebration for native son Dow Finsterwald, winner of the 1958 PGA Championship. Due to the significance of the event, Athens city officials proclaimed September 25, 1958, "Dow Finsterwald Day," and the day featured an 18-hole exhibition golf match at the Athens Country Club. Reigning Masters Champion Arnold Palmer joined his long-time friend Finsterwald for the exhibition. Outstanding amateur Howard Baker Saunders of Gallipolis and eighteen year old Jack Nicklaus of Columbus completed the foursome. Nicklaus, a recent high school graduate, was a promising amateur with an Ohio State Open title and a national Jaycee championship to his credit. [Continued on other side] Side B: Same. [Continued from other side] The better-ball match paired Palmer and Nicklaus vs. Finsterwald and Saunders. Palmer shot a 62 individually, which bettered the course record of 63 held by Finsterwald. Nicklaus fired a 68, tying Finsterwald, while Saunders carded a 71. Palmer and Nicklaus captured team honors. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus went on to battle each other as competitors on golf courses around the world, in their golf businesses, and golf course design. Their intense rivalry and enduring friendship spanned their careers. It all began when Arnie and Jack first teed it up together on this golf course in September 1958.